ELLEN BEARDMORE
News reporter

SPORTS superstars have supported a new £2.5m youth centre which has finally been brought to life after a decade-long battle.

The U-Mix community centre is built into a hillside in Lowfield and boasts floodlit five-a-side pitches, a dance studio, music rehearsal space plus a recording studio.

It was first thought of 11 years ago but was hit by funding problems caused by the recession.

Sheffield heptathlete Jessica Ennis and Spurs player Kyle Walker have sent messages of support to the centre leaders at Football Unites Racism Divides, while both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday stars attended its opening.

Other dignitaries also attended.

The charity will use the centre to develop its sporting and youth work programme, as well as to continue stamping out racism through the beautiful game.

Simon Hyacinth, joint co-ordinator at FURD, said: “We think the centre can help change lives and change perceptions as well.

“It will bring people together in positive ways, break down barriers and sterotypes - it has a massive role to play.

“We’ve had good luck messages from Jess Ennis and her parents attended the opening as did family members of Kyle Walker.